About Yorkies

Yorkshire Terrier

Group: Terrier AKC Toy

Origin:

The breed is only about 100 years or so old, and it's origins are not entirely certain, probably because the working men of Northern England developed the Yorkshire Terrier for catching the terrible rats that infested the mine shafts and as a hunting dog that could penetrate into badger and fox burrows, avoided divulging the secret of their success to those who might have cashed in on a lucrative sideline. However, it seems likely that the Scotsmen seeking work in the woolen mills of Yorkshire brought with them various types of Terriers, including the Skye and now extinct Clydesdale. These were then crossed with local types such as the long-haired Leeds Terrier. The Maltese, Black & Tan Manchester and Dandie Dinmont Terriers may have also contributed to the blood lines. At first, the Yorkie was much bigger than the one that we see today, but by selectively breeding the smallest individuals, the dog was gradually miniaturized over the years. They were made into a fashion dog and women carried these little dogs in their bags and under their arms. The first Yorkshire Terrier with the characteristics demanded by its standard today, appeared in a dog show in 1870.

General Appearance:

That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Head:

Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent being dark in color and sparkling with a sharp intelligent expression. Eye rims are also dark. Ears are small, V-shape, carried erect and set not too far apart.

Body:

Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short with the back line level. Height at shoulder the same as at the rump. The Yorkshire Terrier should have a well proportioned or square body. The means that the legs and body depth should square the body against its short back.

Legs and Feet:

Forelegs should be straight, elbows in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Lack of angulation in the rear legs causes excess wear on the knees.

Tail:

Docked to a medium length and carried higher than the level of the back.

Coat:

Quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and straight. It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair on the ears is to be trimmed short to a point. The feet should have the hair around them trimmed for ease of movement and neatness.

Colors:

Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs.

Weight:

Not to exceed seven pounds.

Temperment:

Yorkshire Terriers are very loyal and devoted to their owners. The Yorkie is fearless as a watchdog. He has a great sense of hearing and can usually hear someone coming long before they get to the door. They are oblivious to their small size and can be agressive toward large dogs. The Yorkie is highly energetic, brave and clever. Yorkies are easy to train but can be stubborn at times. The breed is demanding and dependant and needs lots of human attention. These small dogs make excellent personal companions. They adapt easily to all types of living quarters, be it a country home or an apartment. The Yorkie makes a great family pet.

This page was last updated: February 18, 2010